December wrap up

 How can December be over?  How can my 13 year old (almost 14) be this tall?  How can 2015 be over?  Am I ready to begin another year?  Actually, I am ready.  2015 brought joy but it also brought struggles, struggles that will continue into 2016 but I am proud of the choices we've made as a family in coping with those struggles and I'm most proud of Mike, who when faced with a blow made choices based on integrity, honesty and an open heart.  Anyway, Laura and I planned and delivered another "Socks for Seniors" event.  It is my gift to my dad every year.  Sadly, this year he didn't seem to enjoy it as much.  I chalk it up to him being another year older and more set in his ways.  He was bent out of shape because it was past his bedtime. 

This Socks for Seniors night was a hit.  The weather cooperated so we had a big group turn out for the event, which the residents of the nursing home always enjoy.  Every resident at the nursing home got a new pair of socks. 

Bless my mother.  She helped out this year.  She mostly kept dad calm and kept reminding him he couldn't go to bed until Socks for Seniors event was over. 

And here's our whole crew.  See what I mean when I say we had a huge crowd this year.  My dad is right smack in the middle.  He's looking around and I know he's thinking, "You've got to be kidding me, I'm staying awake for this!"  LOL. 

A momma and her boys.  Mike took this picture on Christmas Eve.  Can you believe how tall Jay is?  I can't. 

More Christmas Eve pictures.  We did things a little different this year and it worked so well.  Kim was kind enough to host Christmas Eve lunch this year.  We ate lunch, played cards, went to church and after church we concluded the evening at mom's with more food (imagine that?) and gifts.  It was truly a lovely day with family.  And for once, it wasn't a hot mess!!

Nana with all four of her grands and they all appear to be looking at the camera.  That in itself is a Christmas miracle.

                                       Luke with his new boots his nana got him from TN. 

My boys on Christmas morning.  I love this picture of them.  We had such a nice Christmas.  It was relaxing and calm and joyous.  We are truly blessed. 

And that is my December wrap up.  More to come in 2016.  I am anxious to blog as to what's been going on with us and I will.....in time.  I am looking forward to spending New Years with family and friends.  I welcome 2016 and all it may bring.  I see 2016 as an opportunity!  Happy New Year to all.

Happy Birthday, Mike

 Today is Mike's 43rd birthday and I'm convinced it will be his best year ever! The above picture is from a few weeks ago.  Mike is crazy about these thumb print cookies from Folsom's Bakery in Rock Falls, IL. 

 The boys, well mostly Nick, made Mike breakfast in bed for his birthday.  What a great way to start his day.

Mike continues to help coach Nick's basketball team and you guess it, they had a game today (sadly, they lost).  Happy Birthday, Mike! 

Joy

The Christmas season is in full swing.  Our tree and house are decorated for the season, although, we're hardly home to enjoy it.  Basketball season always seems to be the busiest during December.  Last night we were all home.  No practices, no games.  It was nice.   Our family is still going through changes and I have the feeling those changes will be on-going for quite some time into 2016.  But with those changes, there is great joy.  We are all learning to trust God more.  If I've learned anything during this season of my life, it's that I know nothing.  I'll have an idea in my head of how I think something should go and God will blow my "perfect" plan into oblivion & of course His plan is way better than mine.  So, although the road ahead is unknown, I trust that God has a much better plan and as our pastor said during the first Sunday that we happened to be back at church after an 8 week absence, "When the storm clouds come in and there is nothing you can do, you press pause and wait."  Oh, how Mike and I love that phrase around here.   And so my friends, even though this Christmas is a wee bit scary for me, I am filled with great joy.  Joy that my boys are happy and healthy, joy that my husband has a heart that is open, joy that we have family and friends that love us and I have joy in my heart over the gift of time.  Kind of ironic since I wrote I have a slight fear of the unknown and I don't know when we'll get the answers we're looking for but I'll explain everything one of these days and it will all make sense.